Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third most extensively manufactured synthetic polymer, next to polypropylene and polyethylene. It is easily available in two forms: rigid and flexible. Flexible PVC films are manufactured by adding plasticizers such as phthalates, adipates, citrates, benzoates, and trimellitates. These films have good barrier properties to oil and grease; however, these are oxygen-permeable, and puncture-resistant. Flexible PVC resins are more pliable and soft as compared to rigid resins due to the addition of plasticizers such as diisononyl phthalate.

The flexible PVC films market is driven by high demand from end-use industries and expansion of the packaging industry. Packaging is a major industry driving the global economy. With the advent of new technologies, innovative products, and increasing worldwide focus on ethical packaging, the packaging industry is anticipated to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period. Demand for flexible packaging continues to increase at a rapid pace as compared to other packaging types. This is primarily due to its functionalities, convenience, premium branding, and sustainability. Flexible packaging also provide durable barrier protection and compactness, while sustaining low carbon footprint. Furthermore, consumption of flexible packaging is projected to increase at the rapid pace during the forecast period, due to high demand for smaller and more convenient packaging, improvements in design, lightweight nature of flexible packaging. These factors are anticipated to propel the global flexible PVC films market in the packaging segment during the forecast period.

Availability of substitutes such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and metallocene polyethylene (mPE) is anticipated to hinder the flexible PVC films market. As manufacturers of medical devices and supplies continue to focus on conservation of resources and reduction of waste materials, they are actively seek new materials that are likely to help them meet application demand, while offering various opportunities for volume or weight reduction. Furthermore, fabricators are looking for different methods that might help reduce the weight, thickness, and volume of device components, without harming the structural integrity or functionality of the device. Moreover, for disposable devices and materials, it is necessary to opt for raw materials that easily decompose, which will reduce raw materials and wastage. Metallocene polyethylene (mPE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resins are anticipated to substitute flexible PVC. Numerous studies show that mPE films offer a number of attractive performance attributes, including superior tensile strength, elongation, and toughness, and excellent resistance to puncture, impact, and bursting. EVA films is also used as an alternative to flexible PVC for medical device applications as these can be fabricated with radio-frequency (RF) sealing equipment. Furthermore, films made with EVA is tough and has low-temperature sealability, clarity, flexibility, and impact and puncture resistance. However, preference for mPE films and EVA resins is increasing as compared to flexible PVC films, especially in North America. Preference for mPE films and EVA resins is anticipated to hamper the flexible PVC films market, unless alternative technologies are developed that help overcome the drawbacks of flexible PVC films.

The flexible PVC films market has been segmented into three categories: product, manufacturing technology, end-user industry, and region. Based on product, the flexible PVC films market has been bifurcated into clear flexible PVC films, and opaque flexible PVC films. In terms of revenue, the clear flexible PVC films segment constituted market share of more than 60% in 2017. Based on manufacturing technology, the flexible PVC films market has been segregated into calendaring, extrusion, lamination, and others. In terms of revenue, the calendaring segment held more than 45% share of the market in 2017. Based on end-user industry, the flexible PVC films market has been segregated into automotive, packaging, medical, construction, textile, and others. In terms of revenue, the packaging end-user segment accounted market share of more than 35% in 2017.

In terms of region, the flexible PVC films market has been classified into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. In 2017, Asia Pacific dominated the flexible PVC films market with more than 35% share and is expected to follow this trend during the forecast period. The region is projected to create opportunities for the flexible PVC films market. China is projected to dominate the market in the region due to the expansion of end-user industries, particularly the packaging industry. China is among the leading markets for packaging industry. It tops the list of major automobile producing countries across the globe. Also, it is the major global exporter of textiles. The expansion of the market in the regions is also attribute to high growth potential of the market in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The packaging industry is the major consumer of flexible PVC films in Asia Pacific.

This report analyzes and forecasts the market for flexible PVC films at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on revenue (US$ Mn) and volume (tons) from 2018 to 2026. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global flexible PVC films market. It also covers the impact of these drivers and restraints on the demand for flexible PVC films during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the flexible PVC films market at the global and regional level.

The report comprises a detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global flexible PVC films market. Porter’s Five Forces model for the flexible PVC films market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein applications are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.

The study provides a decisive view of the global flexible PVC films market by segmenting it in terms of product, manufacturing technology, end-use industry, and region. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for flexible PVC films in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The report also covers demand for individual applications in all the regions.

The flexible PVC films market is primarily driven by continuous demand from end-use industries and expansion of the packaging industry. Packaging is one of the major industries driving the global economy. The packaging industry is anticipated to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period due to the advent of new technologies and innovative products and increase in worldwide focus on ethical packaging. Demand for flexible packaging continues to increase at a rapid pace as compared to other packaging types. This is primarily due to its functionality, convenience, premium branding, and sustainability. Flexible packaging also provides durable barrier protection and compactness, while sustaining the lowest possible carbon footprint. Furthermore, the consumption of flexible packaging is projected to increase at the rapid rate during the forecast period, due to high demand for smaller and more convenient packaging, improvements in design, and lightweight nature of flexible packaging. These factors are anticipated to boost the global flexible PVC films market in the packaging segment in the near future. However, availability of substitutes such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and metallocene polyethylene (mPE) is anticipated to hinder the flexible PVC films market. Films made from EVA are tough and have low-temperature sealability with clarity, flexibility, and impact and puncture resistance. However, preference for mPE films and EVA resins is increasing as compared to flexible PVC films, especially in North America. Increase in demand for mPE films and EVA resins is anticipated to hamper the flexible PVC films market. Development of alternative technologies is anticipated to help overcome the drawbacks of flexible PVC films.

The report provides an estimated market size of the flexible PVC films market for 2017 and forecast for the next nine years. The global market size of flexible PVC films has been provided in terms of revenue and volume. Market numbers have been estimated based on product, manufacturing technology, end-use industry, and regional segments of flexible PVC films market. Market size and forecast for each major segment have been provided in terms of global and regional/country markets.

Key Takeaways of the Study

The report provides an extensive analysis of flexible PVC films market trends and shares from 2017 to 2026 to identify the market opportunities and industry development

The report provides consumption of flexible PVC films by region and a list of manufacturers with manufacturing facilities

The report also provides the key industry developments of various manufacturing companies of the flexible PVC films market

Identify the key factors responsible to build the upcoming opportunistic roadmap for the flexible PVC films market at a global, regional, and country level

Comprehensive analysis with respect to investments, regulatory scenario, and price trend that will subsequently impact the market outlook and forecast of the global flexible PVC films market between 2017 and 2026

The report provides insights on market opportunities for various stakeholders in the value chain and detailed competition landscape for key players dominating the industry to understand competition level

Porters’ Five Forces and Ansoff Matrix analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit oriented business decisions and analyze the strength and weakness to gain strategic position in the market